On Wednesday, two Columbus County Schools campuses, and a Whiteville City Schools campus were targeted with bomb threats.

Below, are statements released by Columbus County Schools, Whiteville City Schools, and the Columbus county sheriff’s department.

Columbus County Sheriff’s department regarding bomb threat at Central Middle School, just stays after a bomb threat at Whiteville High School.

“SECOND BOMB THREAT AT CITY SCHOOLS THIS WEEK

Whiteville, NC – During the morning hours of October 4, 2023, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Central Middle School in reference to a bomb threat. A 6th grade juvenile made a threat that a bomb would detonate today at Central Middle School at the same time as the nationwide emergency alert test. Students were evacuated from Central Middle School buildings while deputies searched the premises. Deputies were unable to locate any devices of concern. Students returned to their classes; however, Central Middle School will be released at 1:00 pm as a precaution. The 6th grader that made the threat was taken into custody. Juvenile Justice was contacted but Scott Hererra with Juvenile Justice refused secured custody for the juvenile. Therefore, the juvenile was released to the custody of their parents/guardians.

This is the second threat this week. On Monday, October 2, 2023, a threat was made towards Whiteville City Schools by email.”

Columbus County Schools statement regarding bomb threat at West Columbus High School.

“Late this afternoon, school officials were made aware of a threat circulating on social media about West Columbus High School.

We are reaching out to let you know that school and district officials have been in constant communication with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, who is taking appropriate action to ensure the safety of our students and our schools.

Learning will continue at school tomorrow; however, out of an abundance of caution, there will be additional law enforcement on campus Thursday, October 5. We appreciate our partnership with the Sheriff’s Office.

Please know that we do take all threats to student safety seriously, and are committed to providing you an honest assessment and transparency when issues arise. We also encourage you to talk with your children about the seriousness of online threats. Thank you for your partnership and we will see you in school tomorrow.”

At this time, Whiteville City Schools has not publicly commented on the incident, but we do have a statement from Whiteville High School, where students from the Middle School were taken.

“Good Morning,
(Wednesday-October 4)
This is Ronna Gore, Principal of Whiteville High School.

We have had a threat at CMS. Law enforcement is already involved. There will be early dismissal WHS due to sharing buses with CMS. Early dismissal today for WHS will be approximately 2:15. After school activities will continue as scheduled. Thank you and have a good day.”